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New Engineering Building, Housing, Dining Options Will Make Fall Debut

Aug. 16, 2018

The University of Texas at Dallas continued to expand classroom, lab and office space on campus over the summer to accommodate a student population that has grown to about 28,000.

This fall, highlights include the opening of a new engineering building, further progress on a new Science Building and updates to the Campus Master Plan that will support the University’s Strategic Plan for the next few years.

“We continue to add to the more than 11.5 million square feet and $1.5 billion in infrastructure improvements that have supported UT Dallas’ efforts in achieving NRUF (National Research University Funding) status, while creating a unique home for our excellent students, dedicated staff, outstanding faculty and supportive community. Enhanced parking and dining services will further augment the overall campus experience. UT Dallas continues to be a special place,” said Dr. Calvin Jamison, vice president for facilities and economic development.

UT Dallas students will find additional classroom, study areas and collaborative workspace in the new 200,000-square-foot Engineering and Computer Science West (ECSW) building. Completed over the summer, the building houses the Department of Mechanical Engineering. It also contains classrooms, research and teaching labs, faculty offices, student workspaces, and a 300-seat auditorium named in honor of Dr. Alexander Clark, a former vice president for academic affairs and one-time acting president of the University.

The building features a large retail grab-and-go food location called The Market, a third-floor student lounge and balcony, and a landscaped courtyard with seating.

North of the main campus, developers opened additional retail space and the second phase of Northside on Synergy Park Boulevard, adding 900 apartment beds. About 7,000 square feet of retail space will be added to the complex. With the addition of the second phase at Northside, UT Dallas has more than 7,000 beds on or near campus.

Meanwhile, construction continues on the 186,000-square-foot Science Building directly north of the Science Learning Center. The multistory building, expected to open in spring 2020, will house the Department of Physics, the William B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences, and several classrooms, offices and teaching and research labs. It also will have 150-seat and 300-seat lecture halls, and an open courtyard with green space and seating areas.

Updates to the Campus Master Plan will include beautification work on Rutford Avenue and the east-west path near Berkner Hall toward the Eugene McDermott Library. The northbound lane of Rutford will remain closed during the active work phase.

In addition, crews have enhanced the southwest entrance to the Administration Building, renovated restrooms in the Erik Jonsson Academic Center and constructed athletic concessions and restrooms near the soccer fields. The research and human resources offices have gained additional space on the third floor of the Administration Building.

Carrie Chutes Charley, director of food and retail services for Auxiliary Services, said dining options reflect the diversity on campus.

Dining Hall West

“We are so lucky to be a part of the everyday life for such a culturally rich campus where we have the opportunity to provide global flavors with local ingredients,” Chutes Charley said. “We are excited to welcome everyone to campus to catch up with old friends over a meal or break bread with someone new.”

All Outtakes venues have been rebranded The Market to incorporate an international flair in its fresh and packaged food. The Market is in five venues: the Student Union, Dining Hall West, the Naveen Jindal School of Management, the Student Services Building Addition and the new engineering building. Rice It, a Halal brand, will be available in the Student Union store, and lunches from Kalachandji’s (vegetarian Indian food) will be featured in The Market in the Engineering and Computer Science West building.

Food Truck Park will have 18 trucks in its rotation Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. New trucks will feature barbecue, Latin and vegan offerings. The food trucks accept only cash, credit or debit cards for payment.

New meal plans will offer on-campus dining options for students who either live off campus or in on-campus apartments. The University already offers meal plans for students who live in the residence halls. The discounted plans bundle Dining Hall West meals, Meal Exchanges and Meal Money.

The Comet Cakes bakery in Dining Hall West has redesigned its menu for more custom cakes, cake pops and mini-cakes for order and pickup.

Spirit Fridays will continue at Dining Hall West. Lunch is $6 plus tax for those who wear green, orange or UT Dallas clothing, including the new “This is My Eatin’ Shirt.” Complimentary shuttle service to and from the dining hall will run from Lot R and the Activity Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Friday throughout the semester.

Many of the dining enhancements are the result of input received during the Food Advisory Group’s meetings. Check the Comet Calendar for details about the group’s next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 4.